Ford Recalls 272,000+ Vehicles for Rollaway Risk Tied to Faulty Park Module

Ford has issued its 145th recall of 2025, this time targeting more than 272,000 vehicles across three major models: the F-150 Lightning (2022-2026), Mustang Mach-E (2024-2026), and Maverick Hybrid (2025-2026). The issue centers on a defective Integrated Park Module (IPM) that may fail to engage the Park function properly, creating a serious rollaway risk.

The defect is tied to a mechanical sticking issue in the IPM’s Park pawl, which may not engage as intended. While a malfunction indicator light is designed to alert the driver, it only triggers after a 2.9-second delay—potentially allowing unnoticed rollaway if the driver exits the vehicle prematurely. Ford has identified 42 warranty claims related to this defect and plans to resolve the issue via a software update, although details remain unclear on how software alone addresses a mechanical failure.

This recall is especially pertinent to claims adjusters working on auto damage and liability cases. Improperly secured vehicles that roll and cause property damage or injury could shift responsibility toward the manufacturer, influencing subrogation decisions and settlement outcomes. Adjusters may also encounter policyholder disputes around prior recall fixes, especially since Ford’s recent recalls have often addressed incomplete or ineffective repairs. The software-based remedy may raise additional concerns about recall sufficiency and future rework.

For those tracking OEM recall frequency and its impact on claim volume or litigation trends, this latest case reinforces a growing pattern at Ford under CEO Jim Farley. Despite promises of improved quality, brand-new models remain affected by foundational mechanical issues. Adjusters handling Ford-related claims may need to anticipate increased technical documentation reviews and keep an eye on potential litigation or extended liability determinations if further incidents arise before the fix is rolled out.